It's at committee.
Evidence of meeting #23 for Status of Women in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was firearms.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #23 for Status of Women in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was firearms.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Conservative
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
But the question wasn't clear. I'm trying to get clarity on what you're trying to get at. There has been no filibuster that you're referring to. Perhaps you could tell me which meeting was filibustered over Bill C-16.
Conservative
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
You keep on bringing Bill C-9 to the forefront, when we have other things that we want to bring forward. The Conservatives want to work with the Liberals to ensure that we are bringing forward bills and laws so that we can protect women, but they keep on getting put on the back burner.
I'm asking you, what timeline do you see as sufficient for the Liberals to move forward so that women can feel safe? Currently, right now, women are dying every 48 hours. What timeline are you prepared to offer us today to ensure that you're going to move forward on the bills to protect women?
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
If you were to give me unanimous consent in the House to advance each of these bills through all proceedings, I would absolutely take it. The problem is that this hasn't happened.
With great respect, when I see your colleague Mr. Lawton, whom I quite enjoy personally, on the justice committee spending hours talking about whether he and his wife prefer puppies or kittens—
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
You're interrupting every time it becomes uncomfortable, when I'm exposing the fact that the Conservatives have been filibustering the committee—
Conservative
Liberal
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Marilyn Gladu
We have a point of order from Ms. Nathan, and then I'll make a comment.
Liberal
Juanita Nathan Liberal Pickering—Brooklin, ON
I would really like to hear what the minister has to say. I can't hear with all the commotion.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Marilyn Gladu
Yes.
I would like to reiterate what I said in the first session. Traditionally, the amount of time it takes to ask the question is the amount of time we would have in the answer. The question was fairly long, so I would offer another 20 seconds, generously, to the minister.
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
Thank you.
Look, it's ironic that we're even receiving questions about a filibuster rather than questions about how we can better protect women against crime and combat gender-based violence. If you actually go back and look at the videos, you'll see that it was the Conservatives who were talking about whether they prefer puppies or kittens.
That said, I think there's a broad base of agreement on gender-based violence and on bail and sentencing reform. I think we should let other issues where there's disagreement go to a vote, so that we can all practise democracy rather than interfere with the agenda Canadians are looking for.
Conservative
Connie Cody Conservative Cambridge, ON
Minister, I'm going to ask a question that I asked the Minister of Public Safety. He wasn't able to answer.
A repeat offender who was convicted on child pornography was released early. He was rearrested for breaking his parole conditions—not once, but twice. He was then arrested a few weeks ago on a historic sexual assault, and then he was granted bail again two days ago. This person was well known in Port Colborne. He played the organ in church; he played Santa Claus in community events, and he was a predator.
Minister, in what world does the Liberal soft-on-crime, revolving-door justice system protect the public or our children? I'm asking you this: Do you believe criminals have rights when they're committing crimes?
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
Look, I'm struck by the incredulous nature of that question. Rights exist in this country, but we can also agree that dangerous people who commit serious crimes should be incarcerated. We are literally changing the law, as we speak, to make it harder for violent repeat offenders to be released on bail and to ensure they face tougher sentences. I think that's something we agree on.
The combative nature of this exchange, and frankly the position of parties in the House on matters where we should be finding common ground to advance policy, is a reflection of the sorry state of Canadian politics, in a lot of ways. I'm not going to stand here and say that I support the egregious behaviour of a predator who's committing crimes. No, that's someone who should face real consequences for very serious infractions. But we can't just bluster at the committee with aggressive talking points. We need to identify solutions, debate them and advance them so that we can actually offer protections to people and communities.
Conservative
Liberal
Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS
If you want to see that outcome as well, I would welcome your collaboration.
February 5th, 2026 / 5:15 p.m.
Conservative